PRF stands for platelet-rich fibrin, a concentrated mixture of cells and other growth factors that are separated from your blood. PRF is a derivative of PRP, platelet-rich plasma, and contains a complex matrix of white blood cells, fibrin, platelets, and mesenchymal stem cells, all important properties of healing, growth, and rejuvenation. These incredible benefits make PRF a great product for skin rejuvenation and other procedures when used in its liquid or injectable gel form.
What Can PRF and PRF Gel Treat?
When platelets bind to fibrin they release growth factors, kickstarting the healing process by producing more collagen, blood vessels, and skin cells. That means that PRF is a great option for any regenerative cosmetic treatment, addressing problems like:
Fine lines
Wrinkles
Under eye hollowing
Sagging skin
Skin texture concerns
Hair loss
When compared to PRP, PRF provides just as many benefits with the added advantage of continuing to improve the skin’s texture and appearance for several weeks after treatment. This is due to the fact that it continues to release growth factors over time.
How Does PRF Work?
In order to obtain the platelet-rich fibrin that is so crucial to this procedure, a blood sample will need to be taken from the patient. The sample is then spun in a centrifuge at a slower speed than in PRP treatments. The spongy, gel-like product that is isolated from the rest of the blood sample is then injected like a traditional filler or applied to the treatment area like a serum.
PRF gel is used to treat the same issues that other fillers do, being a favorite for under-eye bags, but in a more natural way. PRF is a great organic alternative to other fillers, like the ones that use hyaluronic acid, because it contains an autologous blood concentration that comes directly from the patient’s body.
What Treatments Complement PRF?
Because PRF has such incredible growth factors, it is commonly paired with treatments like microneedling. When the PRF concentrate is applied to the tiny wounds made by the microneedling device, it stimulates a strong wound healing response in the skin, making it a great companion to rejuvenation treatments. The result is smoother, more radiant, and youthful skin.
PRF Maintenance Treatments
Immediately following PRF or PRF gel treatments, you may experience some redness or swelling at the treatment site, but these should go down after a few hours. Avoid touching the face and taking anti-inflammatory medication, in order to keep the healing and growth process in action.
A series of PRF treatments is usually recommended to achieve the best results, and then yearly or twice-yearly maintenance appointments are scheduled to provide lasting benefits. You and your provider will partner up to create a personalized treatment plan best suited to your concerns and aesthetic desires.
Schedule Your Consultation
Fargo Dermatology is committed to providing a high level of medical, surgical, and aesthetic care to patients in the Southeastern North Dakota area. Our incredible team puts professionalism and quality first to help patients achieve their aesthetic desires. Are you interested in learning more about PRF? Schedule a consultation at our Fargo location to start your rejuvenation journey.
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PRF and PRF Gel FAQs
Do PRF injections hurt?
Lidocaine injections are given to numb skin prior to PRF injections. Most patients experience pressure feeling during injections. Like with all aesthetic injection treatments, there is some discomfort with the procedure but does tend to be well-managed and well-tolerated by patients.
Is PRF a good alternative to Botox?
PRF works to improve skin integrity and overall skin health while Botox relaxes muscles that may cause some unwanted wrinkles. Depending on your goals, Botox and PRF would compliment each other but not replace each other.
How long do the results of PRF last?
PRF treatments are done in a series to boost results over time. Once the initial series is complete, it is recommended that you do annual PRF treatments to enhance and maintain results. It is also recommended to use medical grade skin care to boost and maintain results like Vitamin C, zinc-based sunscreen, retinol and tretinoin.
What is the difference between PRF and PRF Gel?
PRF is the liquid plasma component of your blood that has white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets and your own growth factors. PRF gel is made by heating your own plasma that then becomes a gel-like substance that we then mix your PRF with to be able to inject your bodys own grown factors to create some volume support as well as deliver the PRF to the tissues needing the regenerative properties.
Does PRF tighten the skin?
PRF helps to deliver growth factors to the tissues it is injected in for improvement and maintaining of healthy skin integrity. Our skin loses its ability to produce collagen as we get older. Collagen and elastin are two components of the skin that provide support, elasticity and healthy glow to the skin. PRF helps to boost collagen and elastin production.
What does PRF treatment do?
PRF delivers those growth factors to our aging tissues to provide enhancement to those tissues over time. It is 100 percent your own regenerative product. Assists with providing healthy skin from the inside out.
Is PRF better than PRP?
PRF is all-natural. There is no coating, additive, or anticoagulant present in the lab tubes, and it is proven to release a higher concentration of growth factors for a longer period of time, than PRP.
How many sessions of PRF do you need?
PRF and PRF gel treatments are done six weeks apart for two to three treatments, depending on your goal and treatment discussed at your consultation.nnIt is so very important to have a consultation with your provider to customize a plan that fits your goals - there is not a one size fits all approach to building and maintaining beautiful, natural results. Consultation and planning is key.
What growth factors exist in platelet-rich fibrin?
100% natural growth factors from your own body designed to help tissues in healing and repairing.
How often can you receive PRF treatments?
It is recommended to have two PRF full-face treatments scheduled 6 weeks apart and then every 9-12 months do one PRF full-face treatment to enhance and maintain optimal results. This can vary from person to person – depending on stress, weight loss, illness, etc.
Are there any side effects to PRF treatments?
With any injections, there is a risk of bruising, swelling and infection. Encouraged for patients to plan for “social downtime” of possibly needing to conceal a bruise or swelling for up to two weeks – recommend planning treatments with your aesthetic injector around your upcoming social events.
What areas can be treated with PRF?
Under-eye texture of skin, improve under-eye hollowness; lips, cheeks, temples, chin shadows – stimulating overall improvement in skin quality. Unlike traditional HA (hyaluronic acid) fillers, PRF does not add significant volume to these areas but provides a very natural esthetic of stimulating healthy cell regeneration to these areas – helping you look like you but more refreshed/rested. Since PRF is 100% your own product, the risk of HA filler breakdown, migration/movement, over filling is reduced.
Who is a candidate for PRF treatment?
Nearly everyone could be a candidate since PRF is 100% natural and the product comes from your own body. All medical aesthetic procedures require a thorough health history and discussion prior to treatment.
What is the difference between PRF and PRP treatments?
PRF contains a higher concentration of platelets and growth factors, and it releases these elements more slowly than PRP, enhancing tissue regeneration.
What are the benefits of using PRF for skin rejuvenation?
PRF injections promote collagen production, improve skin texture, and reduce fine lines, offering a natural, youthful appearance.
How long do the effects of PRF injections last?
The effects of PRF injections can last several months, with some patients experiencing benefits for up to a year.
When will I see the results of PRF treatment?
You may see some initial results in the weeks following your PRF treatment, but it typically takes a series of treatment sessions and several months before the full results are visible. When you see results will depend on what the PRF treatment is for.
Is PRF safe?
Absolutely! Because PRF is made with your own blood, you are much less likely to have negative side effects or an allergic reaction.
How is PRF prepared?
The preparation of PRF begins with a blood draw. We’ll take a small volume of blood. From there, the blood will be put into a centrifuge to separate the different parts of the blood. The platelet-rich fibrin is then taken and applied to the treatment area.
Is PRF treatment painful?
No, PRF is generally not painful. You may feel some discomfort when we draw blood or if the PRF is injected into the treatment area, but most patients tolerate it very well.
How long does a PRF treatment session take?
How long your PRF treatment session takes will depend on the reason for your treatment, but, on average, a typical session takes 30 minutes to an hour.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for PRF treatment?
Before your PRF treatment, you’ll want to drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and blood thinners, and avoid using lotions, makeup, and irritants in the treatment area. If there are any specific instructions, we’ll provide them to you before your appointment.
How is PRF different from dermal fillers?
While PRF and dermal fillers are both used for facial rejuvenation, they are two completely different treatments. PRF is made from your own blood, while dermal fillers are often made of synthetic substances. PRF also has regenerative properties, while dermal fillers are mainly used to restore volume. PRF also offers more treatment options. It can be used for lines and wrinkles as well as hair loss and sagging skin.
Is there anything I should do after PRF treatment?
After your PRF treatment, you’ll want to avoid touching or rubbing the treatment area and abstain from using lotions and makeup for at least six hours. We also recommend staying away from strenuous activities, direct sunlight, and lying down for at least a few hours after treatment.
How does PRF help with hair loss?
Platelet-rich fibrin helps address hair loss by stimulating hair follicle activity, enhancing blood flow to the scalp, reducing inflammation, strengthening existing hair, and promoting collagen production.
Can I return to my normal routine after PRF treatment?
Yes, most patients can return to their normal routine directly after their PRF treatment. That said, you will want to avoid strenuous activities, touching or rubbing the treatment area, drinking alcohol and smoking, and exposing the treatment area to direct sunlight.
